1.8L VS 2.0L T4 exhaust systems Options

[technicalninja]

I've wondered why Porsche built different exhaust systems for the T4.

It appears that any year complete exhaust system can be installed on any year T4.

And yet the systems are so different that even the mount at the transmission needs to match the exhaust.

Why?

It seems the systems have the same size pipes.

The 1.8/1.7 have a short "S" kick up at the back that doesn't look like it will affect flow very much.

What am I missing?

Are the 2.0L mufflers higher flow?

Was it just a sound difference?

I didn't "see" an obvious flow difference when I bought a pair of used 1.8L SSI exchangers and the Bursh muffler that fit them.

Was I wrong?

[Jack Standz]

The 2 liter exhaust system heat exchangers have a very slightly larger inside diameter. This probably allows for greater flow, especially on modified motors. Not sure if it makes a meaningful difference to stock 914s.

Other than that, trying to get into the minds of what Porsche engineers were thinking 55 years ago is a difficult task. Why all the complicated stuff on 914s and other Porsches? Why do we have to buy all these special tools? Why did they run the full power of the starting system through the ignition switch? (clearly they knew about relays)

And why did they not provide a safer better way to jack up the car so you can work on it?